Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Major League Baseball, PEOPLE and the Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the three finalists and the start of the voting period for the 2010 "PEOPLE All-Stars Among Us" national campaign, which debuted in 2009 and recognizes individuals who are serving their community in extraordinary ways.

The three Dodger finalists include Zaid Gayle of Los Angeles, Zachary Kidd of Burbank and Alma Martinez of Redondo Beach. The 90 finalists (three per MLB Club) have been selected from thousands of online submissions by fans across the U.S. and Canada who nominated their local "All-Stars."

Gayle founded Peace4Kids (www.peace4kids.org), a nonprofit providing programs and services for foster and at-risk youth ages 5 to 24. More than 1,500 youth in Los Angeles neighborhoods have benefited from the organization's programs, which include life skills training, mentorship and classes in the arts.

Kidd together with friends launched Goma Ventures (www.gomaventures.com), a micro-loan program for women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Goma Ventures' loans empowers Congolese women to start their own businesses and ultimately increase their families' financial security.

Martinez founded Amigos sin Barreras/Friends without Barriers (www.amigosonline.org) 16 years ago. Founded to honor her son, this organization serves low-income HIV-positive Los Angeles residents with medical care, food and social engagement. Her mission is to prevent the spread of and provide quality services for people suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Fans are encouraged to log on to www.PeopleAllStars.com now through June 20 to vote for their favorite community "All-Stars" who go above and beyond to serve their communities. A total of 30 "All-Stars," one representing each MLB Club, will attend and be honored at 2010 All-Star Week in Anaheim, Calif., including during the pre-game ceremony of the All-Star Game on July 13 on FOX beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET). One of the "All-Star Among Us" winners will be featured in PEOPLE during the week of the All-Star Game, the premier sporting event of the summer.

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comments:

I'm not kidding...last night as they announced these folks on the field I jotted down a note to ask you guys if we should do a post to draw attn to the Dodgers entrants in this year's selection process. I remember last year's ceremony at the All Star Game being very powerful.